Troy Polamalu reportedly told the media in Pittsburgh that he did not expect to play Sunday.

1:59-The one major thing I took away from media availability today was the way the players downplayed the significance of the fact that the Ravens were playing their biggest rivals-instead pointing out the significance of the game alone.

Ray Lewis even described the Steelers as the “next team on the schedule.”

Clearly the players were very willing to discuss their AFC North rivals at length, and didn’t hide from how well they knew each other-but they appeared to be much more focused on the fact that they feel like they need to win out to have a chance to make the playoffs.

1:35-The Ravens have confirmed that LS Nick Sundberg was signed to their practice squad. Clearly this is an insurance policy for a struggling Matt Katula.

Mark Clayton (hamstring/knee), Kelley Washington (ankle) and KJ Gerard (thigh) were all practicing today. Jared Gaither (foot) and Ed Reed (foot/groin/hip/etc.) were NOT-Harbs confirmed earlier today the story that Reed had gone back to Florida for further evaluation. I did not notice Tavares Gooden (groin) at practice either.

For the quickest updates, remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST). I have quotes from Harbaugh, etc. coming up-and already posted quotes from Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin; who held conference calls with the local media.

Also, John Harbaugh announced Domonique Foxworth was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

There is a Long Snapper in the locker room by the name of Nick Sundberg. He’s a rookie out of Cal who was with the Carolina Panthers earlier in the season. No word on whether he’s been signed to the practice squad or is just a tryout guy. As soon as I get an update, I will let you know. Matt Katula had another tough week against the Bears Sunday, but John Harbaugh defended him; and said he doesn’t believe his elbow is still hurt.

11:14-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where the Baltimore Ravens are back at work today in preparation for Sunday’s showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. We all know about the AFC Wild Card implications of the game, as the Ravens will actually have the chance to clinch a playoff spot Sunday should other games around the AFC go their way.

We are scheduled to hear from John Harbaugh, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Derrick Mason and more today. The Ravens made two roster moves yesterday-signing CB Corey Ivy to replace Lardarius Webb (IR-ACL injury), and signing S Kevin Fitzhugh off the New York Jets’ practice squad to replace release CB Marcus Paschal.

Be back shortly.

-G

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4:05-That’s it for me here…..make sure you head over to WNST.net for our Purple Haze live chat during the game!

3:24-Clearly WR depth will be an issue today. Ravens will have only Justin Harper behind Derrick Mason and Demetrius Williams, although David Tyree could be pressed into emergency duty today. With Todd Heap and LJ Smith apparently healthy enough to play, one of them could be flexed out wide; as could Ray Rice if necessary.

1:49-The snow-covered sections in the upper deck have SLIGHTLY improved, but fans will likely still be greeted with piles of snow when they get into the stadium. Please do not use this as an excuse to act like an idiot.

Bill Leavy and his crew will officiate today’s game. No update on the story CBS reported this morning about officials arriving late; but they were supposed to be able to make it on time no matter what.

A reminder that today’s game is on FOX-with Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Chris Myers on the call.

12:39pm-Greetings from M&T Bank Stadium in downtown Baltimore, where the Baltimore Ravens will play the Chicago Bears today. I got here about 25 minutes ago, and the parking lots and sidewalks were a bit of a concern getting in. However, once I got into the stadium, I was BLOWN AWAY by what great shape it was in…..

Absolutely amazing. As you can tell, the field is in PERFECT shape, and the stadium is mostly clear, with only a few sections in the upper deck still filled with show. Over 1,700 workers were at the stadium this weekend to get it into shape, and they are STILL here, clearing what’s left of the snow and salting the steps and walkways in fear of the melted snow re-freezing. It is just absolutely outstanding.

I’ll be back shortly with more before our “Purple Haze” live chat opens.

4:00 – M&T Bank Stadium parking lots for Sunday’s game will open at 11:00 a.m., and stadium gates will open at 2:45 p.m.

3:16 – The Ravens just moved the official gametime on Sunday to a 4:15 start due to the snow concerns and cleanup that will be necessary. The official WNST Text was sent…

2:33 – The Bears have returned about 200 tickets to Sunday’s game. Fans can purchase them now via Ticketmaster.

2:01-Mark Clayton said his knee and hamstring were feeling better, but he wouldn’t know about his status until Sunday.

Terrell Suggs told reporters he “tweaked” his knee in practice this week, but he thinks he’s good for Sunday’s game.

1:58-Here are some highlights from John Harbaugh today:

-“I don’t see any reason” Terrell Suggs wouldn’t play Sunday.
-WR depth “is a concern” with Kelley Washington and Mark Clayton banged up.
-Team met together Thursday morning to pray for Chris Henry “before we knew what the outcome was.” Hue Jackson (who knew Chris well in Cincinnati) lead the meeting.
-Bears are “way better than their record.” They’re a “playoff caliber team football wise.”
-He enjoyed watching the 2nd half of Colts-Jaguars last night, but “nothing changes for us” as Ravens still have to win their games.
-“We’re preparing to face Devin Hester, but we know their backups.”
-on Joe Flacco not being listed on injury report: “Joe looks good. Joe’s been good all year.”

1:47-Duff Goldman (Food Network’s Ace of Cakes) built a cake shaped like a live Raven and has it here with him today for Haloti Ngata. They are filming for an upcoming episode that will air in a couple months.

1:41-Hear from John Harbaugh and Mark Clayton NOW in the Audio Vault at WNST.net.

Ravens Senior VP Kevin Byrne confirmed today that the team will 500 workers stationed at M&T Bank Stadium starting tonight-they will sleep on the club level-to clear snow this weekend before Sunday’s game. Also, the Chicago Bears will fly into Baltimore TODAY to make sure they beat the storm.

12:06-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where the Baltimore Ravens are putting their finishing touches on preparations for Sunday’s game with the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Clearly, weather is going to be a factor Sunday, but it appears as though the snow will have stopped before the game. It is likely to be more of a factor in regards to wind, field conditions and attendance at the game.

We just returned from practice, here’s a rundown. Mark Clayton (hamstring), Jared Gaither (foot), Haloti Ngata (ankle) were all NOT on the field during the portion of practice open to the media. Brandon McKinney (back) and Kelley Washington (ankle) were out there, but were not participating. Matt Birk (neck), KJ Gerard (thigh), Jarret Johnson (knee/back), Ed Reed (groin/foot), LJ Smith (ankle) and Terrell Suggs (knee) were all participating. The most significant news there is Reed; as practicing today will likely pave the way for him to play Sunday.

John Harbaugh is scheduled to meet with the media at about 1. Follow us Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates.)

-G

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2:54-Some highlights from the coordinators today, starting with Cam Cameron:

-Told Demetrius Williams “we’re gonna need you.” Thinks “he will play significantly” against Chicago Sunday.
-On WR depth with injuries to Mark Clayton, Kelley Washington: “I’m confident with the guys we’ve got.”
-On Bears defense: “We expect a great effort out of them.”
-“I think (Derrick Mason) is a great player. One of the greatest recievers I’ve been around.”
-On Ray Rice: “We just think he’s a really good football player.” He “impacts the game” beyond just his stats.
-Says connection between Rice and Joe Flacco “crucial”, “critical”, etc.

Jerry Rosburg:
-Facing Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Bears returners “as tough but different” than facing Browns KR Joshua Cribbs. “We have to be very good in our coverage.”

Greg Mattison:
-Secondary has “gotta do it again” this week after strong performance against Lions.
-“I’m always hopeful Ed Reed will play.”
-Jay Cutler is a “tremendous talent.”
-Lardarius Webb “wants to be a great player.”

2:40-Kelley Washington on the death of his former teammate Chris Henry:

-“It definitely caught everybody by surprise. He was turning things around in his life.”
-“Seemed like he was just starting his life, starting his career the way he wanted to.”
-“He was a very soft spoken guy. You didn’t even know he was in the building.”
-“Best deep ball runner in the NFL.”
-“We would always encourage him, no matter what he did. He always listened.”
-“I think a lot of people got a bad impression of him. He’s not the person everybody thinks he is.”
-Washington said he and Ravens QB Coach Hue Jackson were “very close” with Henry while they were in Cincy.

-Greg Mattison also offered thoughts on Chris Henry, saying he was a “tremendous” wide receiver. He added it was “really a sad note. Very, very sad for his family.”

Also, Sam Koch joined Drew Forrester this morning on “The Comcast Morning Show” on AM1570 WNST. You can hear from Sam in the Audio Vault as well. Don’t forget that for the QUICKEST updates from 1 Winning Drive, follow us on Twitter (@WNST).

12:42-Clearly the death of Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry will hang over 1 Winning Drive today. With Henry playing for an AFC North rival, the guys in this locker room had a chance to get to know him. While we are scheduled to hear from the coordinators today (Cam Cameron, Greg Mattison, Jerry Rosburg), I believe we will also hear from a few players regarding their emotions towards Chris’ death.

12:32-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where I’ll start with a practice update. Matt Birk (neck), KJ Gerard (thigh), Haloti Ngata (ankle), and LJ Smith (ankle) all returned to the practice field today after missing yesterday. Mark Clayton (knee), Jared Gaither (foot), Jarret Johnson (knee/back), Brandon McKinney (back), Ed Reed (groin/foot), and Kelley Washington (ankle) were not out there again today. Terrell Suggs (knee) was present yesterday, but not out there today.

2:55-The Ravens have confirmed that they will wear black tops and white pants for their final home game Sunday against the Chicago Bears.

1:55-Ray Lewis:

-Jay Cutler “capable of making every throw.”
-On whether he wants Colts to play all of their guys against Jaguars tomorrow night: Wild Card race “will all take care of itself. If we don’t win, we’re not in ourselves.”
-“December is when you gotta win. It’s kinda hard to stop a team when they get hot.”
-Ray had “no thoughts at all” on Brian Billick’s return to Baltimore Sunday to do color for Ravens-Bears on FOX. (He didn’t mean this in a derogatory way, he just said he hadn’t thought about it.)
-Thinks Ray Rice similar to Barry Sanders in what they’re capable of doing with the ball “in space.”

1:50-Ray Rice:

-Came into the season expecting to have “more confidence” more “both physically and mentally.”
-Bears defense is “relentless to the ball.”
-“We got a 3 game season ahead of us. Every game matters. We control our own destiny.”
-“December football is championship football.”
-Reaching 1,000 yards “came on me really fast.”
-“I’m still the same guy off the field. Don’t be shy to say Hi-just don’t try to jump on my back.”

1:47-Lardarius Webb:

-Jay Cutler is “a great quarterback. You can’t take away from his talent.”
-He’s “very surprised” by how he’s risen from mid-round draft pick to starter on this team so quickly.
-“You feel that” rookie wall, but you learn from “older guys” how to take care of your body.
-Devin Hester “one of the greatest.”

1:45-The Ravens have added WR Maurice Price to their practice squad after trying him out on Tuesday. Price is in his 2nd year out of Charleston Southern. He was on the 49ers and Patriots practice squads previously, and was most recently with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. He’s 6-1, 200 pounds.

1:40-Derrick Mason:

-On beating “lesser” teams: “We try to take care of business” but “We gotta also take care of business against teams in playoff hunt.”
-Chest feeling “sore” after TD catch against Lions, but “no rest for the weary.”
-On WR blocking: “We try to stress the little things. We make an impact more than just catching balls.”
-“We gotta have this win.”
-Key to winning is “taking advantage of opportunities” we have.

1:38 Joe Flacco:

-On Oher: “Mike’s gone a great job all year.”
-Ray Rice “is gonna continue to get better. The better he does each week, the more confidence he gets.”
-Toughest condition to throw in is “wind.”
-On playing at home vs. playing on road: “We don’t treat it any differently.”

1:33-Plenty of sound from around 1 Winning Drive today. Here are some of the highlights. John Harbaugh:

-Ravens may not know Bears team very well, but they “know the players.”
-“We’re preparing for Jay Cutler’s best.”
-“We wanna see the sack numbers go up, we definitely wanna get more fumbles.”
-On Devin Hester: “You see 23 in your sleep.” He’s an “amazing playmaker.”
-“Part of the challenge is to compete against the elements.”
-“We loved (Bears WR Johnny Knox) in the Draft.”
-On final home game of season: “It’s a special thing playing in (M&T Bank) Stadium.”
-On fans: “They wanna do anything they can to help their team win. We need that kind of performance from them Sunday.”
-Michael Oher has “seamlessly” moved from LT to RT this season.
-“Hopefully we’ll get Jared (Gaither) back this week.”

A reminder that if you want the QUICKEST updates from 1 Winning Drive-follow us on Twitter…. @WNST

11:17-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where the Baltimore Ravens are back at work today in preparation for Sunday’s battle with the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. We are scheduled to hear from coach John Harbaugh, Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice and Derrick Mason amongst others today, as well as Bears coach Lovie Smith and QB Jay Cutler via conference call.

I’ll be back shortly with more.

-G

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To put it simply, the Ravens NEEDED a performance like the one they got on Sunday.

They NEEDED to prove to themselves-and to those around the NFL who were questioning them-that they were still a good football team.

Sunday’s 48-3 thrashing of the Detroit Lions didn’t REALLY say much about the Ravens or their chances of advancing to the AFC playoffs, but it did say some things.

For those of you who were predicting a doomsday 6-10 or 7-9 finish for the Ravens-unlikely.

For those of you calling for the entire team to be broken up in the offseason-probably a bit premature.

For those of you who buzzed into “The Comcast Morning Show” this week to ask “Is it time to start thinking about John Harbaugh’s future in Baltimore?”-the answer is “no.”

Let me repeat-Sunday’s win did NOT prove the Ravens as Super Bowl contenders-and may ultimately prove to be just another win for a team that didn’t get quite enough this season. But the Ravens not only won, they treated the Detroit Lions like the Glen Burnie JV team-which is exactly what good football teams SHOULD do to the Detroit Lions. (Who are a historic type of terrible for the record.)

The Ravens pulverized the Detroit Lions in every way imaginable. They out-gained their opponent 548 to 229, picked up 24 first downs to Detroit’s 13, and won the turnover battle by a margin of 2-1. They pulled their starting quarterback after 3 quarters-but they might as well have done it after 2. In the second half, there were players making contributions who I had honest to god forgotten were on the team. (Sorry Edgar Jones!) John Harbaugh said very simply that all 3 units of his team “executed”, and he’s absolutely right.

The point is, that is EXACTLY what good teams SHOULD do to the Detroit Lions. The Saints, Vikings, Packers, Bengals and Bears had already defeated the Lions by double digit margins this year. Only the Steelers and Rams had single digit victories over the Lions, and the Steelers appear to be much more of “pretenders” than “contenders” for a playoff spot. Beyond that, the Redskins and Browns had of course unimaginably found ways to LOSE to this Detroit ballclub. The Ravens certainly belong in the former group much more than the latter.

The Ravens are a GOOD team. We know that much. Yes, they’ve lost 6 games-but they’ve lost 6 games to teams who would all make the playoffs if the season ended today (Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Colts and Bengals twice). And while they HAVE their problems (secondary and wide receiver jump RIGHT off the page-but other areas haven’t been perfect); they still have a veteran team of solid play-makers; and managed to win Sunday even without Ed Reed, Jared Gaither and Mark Clayton.

They’ll have to keep winning for it to mean anything. As Derrick Mason put so well following the win-the game means “nothing if (the Ravens) can’t win the next game.” The good news is that they should be able to keep winning. The remainder of the schedule (vs. Chicago, @Pittsburgh, @Oakland) sets up well for a team that has not lost a game all season to a team who currently has a record of 7-6 or worse.

But they proved they weren’t a bad team Sunday-which is exactly what they NEEDED to do.

-G

—————————————–

5:25-Kelley Washington (ankle) and Ray Rice (chest) were the only injured Ravens who did not return today. Rice is clearly not believed to be serious, while there was no further information available on Washington.

Billy Cundiff says his head his fine, he knocks it through from 38 to put the Ravens ahead 3-0 late in the first.

7 plays, 45 yards, 3:12 on the drive

1:36-Probably because the 2nd drive was so short, John Harbaugh kept Ray Rice in. Good call. He and Le’Ron McClain work the ball into the red zone.

1:32-I thought Culpepper had the spot there. Big measurement to get the Ravens off the field. They need to mix up their runs on this drive-Willis McGahee will enter the game as it is the 3rd possession.

1:30-Strong move there by Culpepper to avoid the sack. That leaves the Lions with a 3rd and 1 instead of 3rd and long.

1:29-Boy what a run there by Kevin Smith on 1st down. Credit the Ravens for TERRIBLE tackling, but very nice run.

What in the world is going on with Don Carey’s crew? Was it a penalty or not?

1:22-That Jason Hanson miss there tells me that kicking will be a tough task today. Miss was from 45-keeping this one scoreless.

1:18-Calvin Johnson is just plain taller than Domonique Foxworth or Tom Zbikowski. He has the ability to get a ball like that. The Ravens are fortunate he didn’t come down with it.

Aaron Brown with the big run? What’s going on here?

Jarret Johnson hobbles off…..

1:16-Trevor Pryce with a COSTLY roughing the passer on a play where Dawan Landry made an EASY interception. Frustrating start for this team right now.

1:14-Lardarius Webb was absolutely STUNNED by the move Calvin Johnson just put on him. Ouch.

1:12-That makes it 2 fumbles in 2 weeks for Ray Rice in the red zone. Look, there’s NO DOUBT that he’s the team MVP this season-but that’s just completely unacceptable.

Credit DeAngelo Smith from Detroit for the forced fumble.

1:11-Demetrius Williams checks in as a 3rd WR. Would be a nice spot for a fade on 3rd down.

1:09-If I had to guess, that won’t be the last HUGE run from Ray Rice today. He would have been a “must play” in Fantasy Football.

1:05-Great penetration there by Haloti Ngata and company to bring down Kevin Smith on that 3rd and short. Ravens didn’t want to let Daunte Culpepper and company feel too good about themselves early on.

A number of Ravens fans are here today dressed as purple seats. Can’t REALLY say I blame anyone for skipping this one.

1:03-Lions win the toss and come out throwing. No surprise there. Big 3rd and 2 early from midfield.

1:01-I’ll confirm that Oher will start at LT, Yanda at RT, and Chris Chester at RG.

12:25 Weather.com says 40s and rain THROUGHOUT today’s Ravens-Lions game. I get the feeling that there will be thousands of empty seats, as fans have taken to Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and eBay to try to dump their tickets this week.

12:06-We have an update on the Lions inactives. FB Terrelle Smith is ACTIVE and will START, FB Jerome Felton is INACTIVE.

Also for the Lions-RG Dylan Gandy will start for Daniel Loper (active, back) and RE Cliff Avril will start for Dewayne White.

The team waived WR Eric Fowler this week, and moved TE Jake Nordin to the active roster.

11:48-I don’t have an official note on how the O-Line will shuffle with Jared Gaither out, but I assume Michael Oher will play LT, Marshal Yanda will play RT, and Chris Chester will play RG. Just an assumption however; and with Tony Moll and Oniel Cousins both active-either could be in the mix.

I don’t mean to downplay that-it’s just that we all KNEW Mark Clayton (hamstring) was out today, which is why the Ravens waived FB Charles Ali yesterday and moved WR Justin Harper to the active roster.

I CERTAINLY don’t expect to see S Ed Reed (you name it) today, and would say LB Terrell Suggs (knee) is unlikely.

-G

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1:51-John Harbaugh just met with the media, here are some of the highlights of what he had to say….

-He expects Ed Reed, Mark Clayton and Terrell Suggs to all be “game time decisions”, but later said he thought they’d be “questionable or probable.”
-“It’s helpful” to know early in the week that Duante Culpepper would start instead of Matthew Stafford, but it will still “be a bit of a guessing game” as Culpepper hasn’t played much.
-“We don’t know them as well” as we know AFC North/AFC teams that Ravens face more often.
-Kevin Smith has same “quickness” as Ravens RB Ray Rice, but runs with a more “upright style.”
-“It’s hard not to” scoreboard watch with Ravens in thick of Wild Card race.
-“Weather is a factor” Sunday in Baltimore, he said he’s expecting a wintry mix. (Weather.com-the official site of The Weather Channel is saying Rain and a High of 41.)
-Ravens “really liked” Lions Safety Louis Delmas in April’s NFL Draft as he was coming out of Western Michigan.
-He confirmed that the Ravens DO have a “contingency plan” should Billy Cundiff decide he can’t kick tomorrow. He said Billy was fine in practice Friday.

You can hear from John Harbaugh NOW in the Audio Vault at WNST.net. Also, Ravens OL Marshal Yanda joined Drew Forrester this morning on “The Comcast Morning Show” on AM1570 WNST, you can hear that in the Audio Vault as well. Lions Coach Jim Schwartz (Mt. St. Joseph) will join Nestor Aparicio on “Limited Access” this afternoon at 4pm.

1:30-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive; where the Ravens held their final walkthrough before Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions at the M&T Bank Stadium. Let me start with a practice update; as Terrell Suggs (knee), Ed Reed (you name it), Jarret Johnson (back), Mark Clayton (hamstring), and LJ Smith (ankle) were not out on the practice field during the VERY brief portion of practice open to the media. John Harbaugh later told us that Ed HAD participated in the walkthrough (he is here, and was seen in the equipment room-so this is very possible).

Jared Gaither (foot) and David Hale (head) were out on the practice field, but were wearing sweats and watching from the sidelines.

Remember to follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates from out here in Owings Mills.

-G

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Make no mistake-the Lions’ ability to play jump ball with Calvin Johnson will allow them to score; but this will be a one possession game in the 2nd half. The Ravens will win the game, but NO ONE will feel better about their Wild Card chances come Monday-even though they’ll be back above .500.

This is a better Black Knights team than the Mids have faced in recent years. Rich Ellerson has implemented the option, and it is working to at least some level. But the Midshipmen are still better right now; and will prove that again tomorrow afternoon in Philadelphia. I’ll be at Lincoln Financial Field to talk to you during the game at WNST.net.

Maryland 81, Eastern Kentucky 63

If they were playing Western Kentucky, the game would be single digits.

George Washington 81, Towson 70

I’m not certain the Tigers can keep it this close, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Greg Mattison:
-Daunte Culpepper is a “very very good quarterback (with) a strong arm.” He “probably has a free wheeling attitude” at this point in his career. You “have to be a little but more leery of the scramble” with Culpepper than they would have with Matthew Stafford.
-He has told Ed Reed in the past “I don’t wanna be standing out there when you’re not out there.” He added that “Ed Reed will go if he can go” but “Tom Zbikowski did a nice job” against Green Bay.
-He doesn’t believe it is only the Ravens DB’s “who are frustrated” with the way pass interference has been called. He also credited the members of the secondary because “they go out there and battle as hard as they can battle.”
-On officials: “I would never say they’re out to get the Ravens.”
-Calvin Johnson is a “great, great receiver. He goes after every ball as if it’s the last one.”

Jerry Rosburg:
-“Billy (Cundiff) was out best option” for kicks even after suffering concussion at beginning of Monday Night Football game.
-He could not identify a contingency plan if Cundiff were to come down with post-concussion headaches and couldn’t kick on Sunday. He said that if the team found out Saturday that Cundiff couldn’t go (similar to how the Steelers found out 2 Saturdays ago that Ben Roethlisberger couldn’t go against the Ravens), he would approach Ozzie Newsome with John Harbaugh about making a roster move.
-He said that neither of the short “squib” kicks Cundiff kicked against the Packers were actually supposed to be normal, deep kickoffs.
-“We’re confident” in Chris Carr as punt returner, Lardarius Webb and Carr both have “a lot on (their) plate(s).”

Cam Cameron:
-Joe (Flacco)’s “health has not been a factor” in struggles..
-There was “absolutely not” a lack of urgency in the final minutes of the Packers game…..”we (just) didn’t execute.”
-“We gotta take care of the football in the scoring zone. We expect to move the football, but (we) gotta finish drives.”
-Offensive line is a “prideful group” with “high expectations”; but the struggles on Monday night were a “collective effort” offensively, not just mistakes by the line.
-Lions use a “8 or 9 man front”, allowing “single coverage” in secondary.
-Not having Chris Chester start gives Ravens “flexibility” as he can play other positions (like TE).

-Haloti Ngata was named to the “All-Fundamentals Team” by USA Football and the NFLPA. He received a silver helmet for the honor, and responded by saying “this is pretty cool.” USA Football recognized him for his outstanding “footwork and leverage.” Other players honored include Redskins LB London Fletcher, Steelers S Troy Polamalu, Browns OT Joe Thomas, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and Saints QB Drew Brees.

-Brian Billick confirmed with Drew Forrester this morning that he will be calling the Ravens/Bears game NEXT Sunday for FOX. It will be the first time Billick has done color for a Ravens game since being dismissed as head coach. Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan will call the Lions game Sunday for FOX.

-Justin Harper is playing the role of Calvin Johnson in practice; even donning Marcus Smith’s #81 jersey to help the effect.

-Art Modell was here; as were former Baltimore Colts Joe Ehrmann and Lenny Moore. Lenny is a very frequent guest, Ehrmann and Modell make less frequent visits.

2:51-Terrell Suggs told us today that while his knee was feeling “better”, he wasn’t sure whether he’d be ready to face the Lions on Sunday. He told us it would likely have to do with how he felt Saturday night and Sunday morning; instead of a situation where he’d need to go warm up before the game to tell if he’d be ready.

Suggs also told us he couldn’t comment on the restraining order/lawsuit involving alleged girlfriend Candace Williams. Suggs said he would answer questions about it as soon as he was allowed to; but didn’t believe the situation would be any sort of distraction to him or the team.

1:16-Greetings from 1 Winning Drive, where the Baltimore Ravens continue preparations for Sunday’s contest with the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens hit the practice field around lunch-time today, and when they did, the same group of players that missed practice yesterday weren’t working again today. WR Mark Clayton (hamstring), OT Jared Gaither (foot), OL David Hale (head), LB Jarret Johnson (back), S Ed Reed (groin/foot), and TE LJ Smith (ankle) were all not working. The good news was that LB Terrell Suggs hit the practice field for a 2nd straight day, improving the chances he might be able to play Sunday.

We are scheduled to hear from OC Cam Cameron, DC Greg Mattison and Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg shortly. Make sure you follow us on Twitter (@WNST) for the quickest updates.

-G

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